Getting to Know: Dr. Laurence Anderson – SHS Physics
by Dr. Ellin Booras
Larry Anderson received his bachelors of Science from Notre Dame with a major in Physics and a PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from Princeton University in June, 1993. He studied and worked at Harvard University, Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as a Postdoctoral Fellow, from 1993-1998. Most recently, he completed oceanographic research at WHOI through data collection at sea using computer simulations of ocean physics and biology.
Dr. Anderson is eager and excited about working with high school students. He will teach all physics classes as well as the Tech Engineering and Solidwords courses. From the moment we hired Dr. Anderson, he has brought a wonderful zest for learning and an eagerness to teach to SHS. He can be found immersed in his new classroom and exhibiting pure joy at the thoughts of working with his new SHS students!
Dr. Anderson answered a few questions to help the entire SPS community get to know him,
Q: What excites you about teaching in Sandwich?
I am teaching AP Physics and Honors Physics—a topic I love!—to very intelligent and hard-working students, which is a great delight. I am also teaching Technology & Engineering and Engineering Design, which will be very fun, as they are hands-on project-based courses. Plus we have a new 3-D printer! All of the administrators, teachers and students have been very nice, and I look forward to teaching each day.
Q: What is your favorite teaching memory from the past few years?
Last year I taught Physics at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. Physics labs are always fun. Typically one does not know what to expect, and experiments usually do not work correctly the first time, so there is a certain amount of comic misadventure involved. When I hear students laughing while conducting a lab, it is wonderful.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a student?
One of my favorite teachers in high school was Fr. Hugh Assenmacher, who taught history. It was not so much the topic as his manner: his easy style of speaking, his anecdotes and professional decorum. I endeavor to emulate him.
Q: What might we be surprised to know about you?
I love to play the piano, and do so whenever I can.